DCI Fairlamb, who has 26 years’ service in the force, told how the abuse suffered by Jimmy was the worst he has ever seen and revealed how he and his team brought the killers to justice.

He said: “The entire web of lies was untangled and it quickly transpired Zaman was at the heart of everything that happened to Jimmy. He got the girls to cover for him but we quickly uncovered what had been going on inside those two houses. The women were very much at his beckoning. Some of these actions were at his demand and by his own admission he was present when James’ testicle was removed.

Acting DCI Andy Fairlamb (Image: newcastle chronicle)

“He allowed James, who was his friend and someone he called a brother, to be subjected to such appalling levels of violence. He just sat there and watched.

“During the trial Zaman was described as a monster and I would not argue with that.”

Jimmy first met Zaman in 2008 and the pair became close friends.

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After splitting with his then partner, Jimmy moved into a house near to his future killer but police still do not know what made the cult-like group turn on their victim so savagely. DCI Fairlamb said: “Why they have turned on him in this way only they know. Prior to his death, they made a number of allegations against Jimmy, which were all unfounded. Through the abuse, he became vulnerable which made him even more vulnerable for what they wanted to do.

“This level of abuse, this level of bullying, is abhorrent to anyone who lives in 21st century Great Britain.

James Prout

“Edward, his brother, is distraught. He has struggled to be seated during the trial and struggled to listen to the evidence of what his brother went through before the end of his life. It will have a long lasting effect and Jimmy’s father is in ailing health but hopefully the conclusion of this trial will give them some sort of closure.”

As Jimmy was subjected to more and more abuse, he physically deteriorated to the point where he was little more than a shell.

Heartrending CCTV footage captured a bearded Jimmy being dragged into the house on St Stephen’s Way, shortly before he died.

DCI Fairlamb believes neighbours could have noticed Jimmy was in trouble and his life might have been saved if someone had alerted the police.

He begged members of the public who spot anyone who appears to be in a similar state to pick up the phone.

He said: “Just before his death Jimmy was somebody who was obviously in very, very ailing health and someone who needed medical, even emergency care. That would have been evident to anyone who saw him.

“I would urge anyone who sees anyone in an unfortunate position to pick up the phone.”